Movie Reviewby Rod Gustafson

Secret Service agent Sam Simms (Sinbad) is assigned the task of protecting Luke (Brock Pierce), the US President's son. Of course watching over Luke proves to be no easy task -- he managed to drive his last agent to the point of mental breakdown. But Simms sees a child that just needs a little love, and dedicates himself to protecting Luke and helping him have a normal childhood even with his White House restrictions.

For parents, First Kid provides a list of goods and bads. Simms relationship with Luke is heartwarming as he shows Luke how to protect himself against the school bully and offers suggestions on talking to girls and learning how to dance. Sinbad's comedic charm makes for a very funny scene as Luke approaches "the girl" at school and asks her out to the dance with Simms coaching him via the Secret Service earpiece. The awkwardness of Luke was a nice change from the usual know-it-all attitude seen in so many kids on the screen today.

But the bad news is the unnecessary violent ending where Luke is kidnaped at a local shopping mall. A shooting takes place, with one particularly graphic scene when the bad guy is shot and falls into a fountain. I think they forgot what kind of movie they were trying to make for a few moments, as we leave the violence to be immediately dropped into a Disney happy ending. Another scene at a school dance has Luke using his new boxing skills to get back at the school bully with little attempt at verbal reconciliation.

A final concern is that most of Simms activities involve sneaking Luke out of the White House which is against policy. As a result, Luke is encouraged to lie to his parents and other officials. These exceptions leave First Kid as an average family movie that should be viewed with parents. Ask your children what Luke should have done before going out with Simms, and see if your family can count all the product endorsements in this movie -- they're everywhere!

About author

Rod Gustafson has worked in various media industries since 1977. He founded Parent Previews in 1993, and today continues to write and broadcast the reviews in newspapers, on radio and (of course) on the Internet. His efforts also include writing and researching media in all its forms and observing how it effects society and culture. He and his wife Donna have four children.